The Athens Local Professional Artists and Craftsmen Association (ALPACA) will host its second Art Market of the season tomorrow.
Local art and crafts will be offered for sale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Glasswork, jewelry, woodwork, crafts, children’s clothing, ceramics and fiber arts are among the items that will be showcased.
The Saturday Art Markets, which will be held on the third Saturday of every month through September, will be located at The Market on State at 1002 E. State St. in Athens. The event will also partner with the Athens Farmers’ Market.
One featured artist who is scheduled for tomorrow’s event is Gustafson Glass, a vendor who will be selling fused glass art, wine-bottle stoppers, dishes, coasters and more. Also, jewelry vendors will include Beth Graham’s Gemmy Gifts, Jennifair! and local jewelry designer Andrea Gibson.
“Athens and the surrounding communities are home to many talented artists and craftsmen,” Gibson said. “ALPACA has provided a way for the community and its artists and craftsmen to regularly connect. The community has been very enthusiastic about our local events.”
Founded in 2008, ALPACA is a non-profit organization that encourages and promotes local artists. The group thrives on providing opportunities such as education, financial resources and networking to craftsmen. The association consists of local members who are able to make their handmade, original artwork available to the public.
The organization sponsors several local events throughout the year aside from Saturday Art Markets, such as an the Independence Day Arts Celebration & Community Picnic held in July and a Holiday Shop that occurs each December. Last weekend, a handful of members vended arts and crafts at the Nelsonville Music Festival.
“At the time the group was founded, there was no such organization in Athens, so the founders saw a need to fill it,” Gibson said. “The people in this area are very supportive of local products that are unique to our region.”
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